Strong relationships between project owners and general contractors are essential for successful commercial construction projects. At Crain, we know that the foundation of every successful project starts with transparency, collaboration, and trust. That’s why we approach every build as a true partnership—working closely with owners from day one. Whether you’re a developer planning your next commercial build or a business owner navigating your first construction project, we’re exploring three principles that can help create a smoother, more productive partnership between owners and contractors.
“The passion, dedication, and knowledge of their craft were displayed by the entire Crain team. They built a hotel that has attracted a great deal of attention, especially being a key piece of the Nashville BNA Airport expansion, which they should be proud of. We certainly are. We’re very appreciative of our partnership with Crain Construction and the time and attention that went into building this beautiful hotel.”
– Michael Sanders, VP of Hotel Operations, Chartwell Hospitality
How To Build Successful Relationships Between Project Owners and Contractors
At Crain, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve cultivated over the past 90+ years, building relationships and structures that last a lifetime. We recognize that the relationships we develop with project owners and developers are foundational for that distinction. Here are three specific ways we work to cultivate a strong relationship with the building owners we serve:
1. We put relationships first.
Good relationships require honesty and integrity. Great relationships take that a step further by proactively seeking the other party’s best interest. We want to develop great relationships with project owners.
One simple way we try to incorporate our core values into a project is simply to ask ourselves, “How would we approach this project if we were building it for a friend?” Whether it’s maintaining an unrelenting commitment to doing the right thing or finding creative ways to navigate the commercial construction landscape in Nashville, we believe it’s important to treat our clients with immense respect. This is the mindset we adopt from pre-construction to post-construction.
2. We work proactively to bring solutions to our clients.
We care about helping our clients generate the most value out of their building. We believe our role is to bring our experience and expertise to help our clients build the right structure for their needs.
To do this, we must truly listen to what our clients are saying. We take time before construction begins to understand their goals and priorities. Pre-construction meetings are crucial for achieving better outcomes and exceeding expectations.
It also requires understanding the current construction landscape, including all relevant building codes and permitting processes, and leveraging the strong relationships we have developed in the industry. In many cases, our relationship with subcontractors helps us identify creative solutions to complex problems. The relationships we’ve developed with the utility and codes departments are also helpful for navigating the roadblocks that can typically stall a project.
Our partnership with 3H Group to develop the TownPlace Suites in Nashville is an example of this principle. Our team coordinated with the owner, Metro Water, and several subcontractors to navigate unique job site challenges.
3. We collaborate with building owners to set up a project for success.
After completing more than 4,500 projects, we can say that the most effective projects are ones where we can help set the project up for success before a shovel ever hits the ground. Our ability to get involved early is just one of the reasons that we have so many repeat clients who return to us to plan multiple projects.
Our relationship with Turnip Truck in Nashville is just one example of the longstanding relationships we’ve built. After completing three projects for them, we’re currently in the process of building their fourth and largest location here in Nashville.
Let Crain Bring Value to Your Team’s Next Construction Project
With 90 years of experience, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built as one of Nashville’s leading commercial construction companies. If you’re looking for a commercial general contractor who is committed to adding value to your build, contact us today to talk about your next project.
